Fifteen-year-old Alberta students did well on most international standardized tests, but the province’s scores in reading, math, and science are falling, according to a study done by the Fraser Institute. .“Over the past few PISA (Programme for International Assessment) tests, scores for students in Alberta have declined significantly, and that should be worrying for policymakers, educators and parents in the province,” said Fraser Institute senior fellow and study co-author Derek Allison in a Wednesday press release. .The study said the 2018 PISA test results show Alberta students scored the highest nationwide in reading and science. Alberta came in third place in math after Quebec and Ontario. .The study went on to say scores in all three disciplines across Alberta have been dropping. It added scores in math have dropped 38 points, reading by 18 points, and science by 16 points. .This decline in math scores was the second worst nationwide after Manitoba, which dropped 46 points. .According to the study, Canada ranked high and outperformed all G7 countries in reading and was second among G7 countries after Japan in math and science. What the study called most concerning was the results in each province declining over the past 10 to 15 years across various subjects. .“Despite Alberta’s top spots in reading and science nationwide, educators and parents should be troubled by the substantial decline in scores across all three disciplines,” said Allison. .“The PISA tests are an opportunity for policymakers and educators to learn best practices from other more successful jurisdictions and correct course, if necessary, for the benefit of their students.”.The Alberta government updated its draft kindergarten to Grade 6 curriculum with a renewed focus on literacy, numeracy, citizenship and practical skills in 2021..READ MORE: Alberta presents students with first phase of curricula review.These curriculum changes were made after Alberta’s students faced several years of declining and stagnant student performance. .“The new K-6 curriculum is inspired by the science of reading and brings to our teachers, parents, and children what is currently known around the world as best practice to support our children to become successful readers and writers,” said University of Alberta educational psychology professor Dr. George Georgiou.
